The shrub grasslands provide critical habitat and food for many wildlife species. Large ungulates depend on the nutritional sage leaves and feed on these plants in the winter. Smaller mammals are also dependent on sagebrush for shelter from predators and the climate.

Mule Deer		Pronghorn Antelope		Pygmy Rabbit		White-tailed Jack Rabbit
Sagebrush Vole		Least Chipmunk

Birds that live in the sagebrush are dependent on the sage for cover as it provides a canopy above the ground. Some birds like the greater sage-grouse depend on sagebrush for food and shelter in the winter.

Greater Sage-Grouse		Brewer's Sparrow		Loggerhead Shrike		Sage Thrasher
Western Meadowlark		Lark Bunting		Song Sparrow

The common sagebrush lizard depends on sagebrush for habitat. The branches and leaves of these shrubby plants not only shade the ground but also provide these lizards and other animals with protection from predators, hot summer days, and a place to hunt for prey.

Greater Short-horned Lizard		Gopher Snake		Northern Leopard Frog		Common Sagebrush Lizard

Shrub grasslands- the waters of this ecosystem start in the cold water valleys of the high elevation shrublands and extend to the warm waters of the shrub grasslands found in the eastern part of the state. This large area includes most of the fish found in Montana. Below are featured a few native species that aren't as well known but are interesting to learn about.

Pearl Dace		Mountain Sucker		Longnose Dace		Stonecat